Work in Australia
Migration pathway for Nigerian healthcare professionals
Processing Time
12 to 24 months
Estimated Cost
N8M to N20M
Primary Exam
AMC MCQ / AMC Clinical
Visa
Skilled Worker Visa (Subclass 482/189/190/491/494)
Overview
Australia uses a points-based immigration system and has strong demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in regional areas. The pathway involves AMC exams for doctors and AHPRA registration for all health practitioners. Regional areas offer faster visa processing and additional immigration points.
Step-by-Step Pathway
Choose your cadre to see the specific pathway.
English language test (IELTS Academic or OET)
IELTS Academic with minimum 7.0 in each band, or OET B grade in each component. Australia has strict per-band requirements.
AMC MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)
Computer-adaptive exam covering clinical sciences. 150 questions testing knowledge across all major medical disciplines. Can be taken at Prometric centres in Nigeria.
AMC Clinical Examination
OSCE-style exam with 16 clinical stations in Australian clinical settings. Must be taken in Australia. Tests clinical skills and communication.
AHPRA Registration
Apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. You may receive limited or provisional registration depending on your pathway.
Job search (consider regional areas)
Regional and rural areas offer the most opportunities and additional immigration points. Many area-of-need positions do not require full AMC exams if you go the Standard or Competent Authority pathway.
Skilled Worker visa (Subclass 482 or 494)
Employer-sponsored visa or skilled independent visa (Subclass 189/190). Regional visas (494) offer faster processing and a pathway to permanent residency.
Cost Breakdown
All costs shown in both foreign currency and Nigerian Naira (2026 estimates).
| Item | Cost (Foreign) | Cost (Naira) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / OET | AUD 410 | N410,000 |
| AMC MCQ (Doctors) | AUD 4,500 | N4,500,000 |
| AMC Clinical Exam | AUD 5,000 | N5,000,000 |
| AHPRA Registration | AUD 1,000 | N1,000,000 |
| ANMAC Assessment (Nurses) | AUD 600 | N600,000 |
| Skills Assessment | AUD 350 | N350,000 |
| Visa Application (Subclass 482) | AUD 1,455 | N1,455,000 |
| Health Insurance (OVHC) | AUD 500/year | N500,000/year |
| Flights (Lagos to Sydney) | AUD 1,500+ | N1,500,000+ |
Exams Required
AMC MCQ
Available in NigeriaComputer-adaptive exam with 150 questions covering clinical medicine, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, and psychiatry.
AMC Clinical Examination
Not available in NigeriaOSCE with 16 stations testing clinical skills, communication, and procedural competency in an Australian context.
Key Requirements
- ✓Medical or nursing degree from a recognised institution
- ✓Full registration with MDCN or NMCN
- ✓IELTS 7.0 in each band or OET B in each component (strict per-band requirement)
- ✓Police clearance from Nigeria and any country you have lived in 12+ months
- ✓Health examination by panel physician
- ✓Skills assessment from relevant authority (ANMAC for nurses, AMC for doctors)
- ✓Proof of English at a high level (no waivers available)
- ✓Valid passport
Visa: Skilled Worker Visa (Subclass 482/189/190/491/494)
Australia uses a points-based system where healthcare professionals score well due to occupation demand. Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) requires employer sponsorship. Subclass 189/190 are permanent residency visas through SkillSelect. Regional visas (491/494) offer additional points and faster processing. Medical practitioners and nurses are on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).
Tips for Nigerian Professionals
- ◆Australia has strict per-band IELTS requirements (7.0 in each band). Many Nigerian applicants struggle with Writing. Focus heavily on this.
- ◆Regional areas (outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) offer 15 additional immigration points and faster visa processing.
- ◆The Competent Authority pathway (through employers in areas of need) can bypass the AMC Clinical exam. Research this option.
- ◆Overseas Health Cover (OVHC) is mandatory. Compare plans before purchasing.
- ◆Credential assessment through AMC can take several months. Start this process as early as possible.
- ◆Many Nigerian doctors successfully use the Standard Pathway, which allows supervised practice while preparing for exams.
- ◆Join the Nigerian Medical Association of Australia for community and mentorship.
- ◆Cost of living in Australia is high. Budget AUD 25,000+ for the first 3 months of settlement.
Verify before you act
Exam fees, visa costs, and requirements change frequently. The information on this page was last reviewed in April 2026. Always confirm fees and requirements directly with the official body before making payments or decisions.
Exchange rates are approximate and fluctuate daily.
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